4 Scriptures for When You Need a Personal God

Hey friends, I’m SO excited to share my friend Jennifer Rothschild’s new study with you!! Jennifer is one of my favorite Bible teachers because she teaches God’s Word with an intimate, tender voice that I find rare among Bible teachers. Her deep love of God’s Word, and passion for everyone she encounters to know and love that Word, is contagious. So, without further delay, enjoy these wise words from Jennifer as she shares from her new LifeWay Bible Study, Psalm 23: The Shepherd With Me.

Plus, she’s giving away a copy of her Bible study book to one of you (read to the end)!

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Do you have any special memories that come up when you read, hear, or think of Psalm 23?

Maybe it was granny’s favorite Psalm. Or maybe it was read at the funeral of someone you love. You may have seen it on a plaque or memorized it as a child.

This passage stirs up all sorts of emotions, doesn’t it?

David, who wrote this Psalm, tells us in the first verse, “The Lord is my…” He then finishes it with “shepherd.”

Think about the word “my.” The verse doesn’t say that the Lord is “a” shepherd or “our” shepherd. It says He is “my” shepherd. To me, “my” means personal possession.

Just ask any toddler. “My” means that toy belongs to me. It is covered with my drool, practically crushed in my little fist, and treasured as if it is the only toy I have. It is my personal possession.

David talks about God as if God belonged to him and he belonged to God. In other words, the relationship is intimate, safe, and permanent.

Sister, do you, like David, talk about God as if He belongs to you and you belong to Him? Is God personal to you?

When I think of the Lord as my shepherd, I feel safe with Him. I see how He has guided me through green pastures and dark valleys. And, to be honest, when I really lean on Him as my shepherd, I feel the freedom to be as needy and dependent as a sheep.

Psalm 23 is not an arm’s length, past-tense, wouldn’t-it-be-nice kind of passage. It is personal. It is a right here, right now, up-close passage about you and your Shepherd.

But “shepherd” is just one way to illustrate God’s character. There are many other verses in the Bible that also describe how the Lord is a personal God to you.

Maybe today you need to be reminded of how the Lord is a personal God. Here are four Scripture passages to get you started.

1. The Lord Is My Portion

The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and my cup;
You support my lot. (Psalm 16:5, NASB)

When you consider the Lord is your portion, you’re reminded that He is all you need. In all the areas of your life where you may feel insufficient or weak, sister, He is enough.

2. The Lord Is My Rock

The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalm 18:2, NASB)

With the Lord as your rock, you learn that He will stabilize and ground you when life feels shaky. And when He steadies you, oh girl, you are steadfast and unshakeable.

3. The Lord Is My Salvation

The Lord is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the defense of my life;
Whom shall I dread? (Psalm 27:1, NASB)

When you consider the Lord is your salvation, you take refuge in Him. You run to Him and He welcomes you, defends you, protects you, and preserves your life.

4. The Lord Is My Strength

The Lord is my strength and my shield;
My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped;
Therefore my heart exults,
And with my song I shall thank Him. (Psalm 28:7, NASB)

The Lord is your strength and helps you deal with the fears that rise up in you. He gives you what you need to make it through whatever the day brings.

He is a right-now, up-close, personal God to you, sister. And He cares for you.

Jennifer’s new Bible study, Psalm 23: The Shepherd With Me will help you explore the depths of God’s care for you tucked in the psalm you’ve always loved. Through August 31, get a free audio download bundle with purchase of Jennifer’s Bible study book.

The Giveaway

How are these qualities of God’s character personal to you? Do you have any additional verses that remind you how personal He is? Share in the comments below, and one reader will win a copy of Jennifer’s new study. U.S. Addresses only please. Winner announced here Monday, August 20.

Comments

These are beautiful Jennifer! Thank you for sharing your insights. One of my favorites is “God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26b He is so personal and MINE! I am so thankful for Him.

I wouldn’t have survived some of the things I’ve been through (abuse, rape, depression, miscarriages, suicidal thoughts and attempts) if God hadn’t been my rock, strength, and shepherd. A few years ago Lisa Allen led a leadership retreat in Kingston, TN that I attended. I had the pleasure of driving her to the airport afterward, and she gave me some advice about sharing my testimony-specifically how to focus on one subject instead of my whole life story and having a key verse. As I was driving home thinking about what she said, I kept going back to the 23rd Psalm. Every song on the radio only reinforced the verse that was standing out to me: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. For you are with me, your rod and your staff comfort me. The song that I heard that stood out the most was “How Sweet The Sound” by Citizen Way. It starts out “Yea though I walk through the valley; I know that You are always right beside me; And I will fear no evil; You’re my rock And my strength You comfort me.” God has been right beside me through the darkest of valleys I’ve had to walk through, and sometimes when I couldn’t even walk He carried me through.

Thank you for taking the time to share your story. Always a huge blessing and encouragement to hear how God’s Word has brought healing and wholeness in the lives of His daughters. And, I’m so grateful to hear your story about Lisa Allen. She is one of my best friends and lives just down the street from me!! I forwarded her your e-mail and it touched her heart. You have a beautiful testimony. I pray that as the Lord opens doors for you to share it, He will give you the message and anoint every word.

Thank you! That means so much to me. I’m still going through the healing process, but there is definitely progress being made! I know I’ve been called to share my story (or rather His story of me), although I don’t know what that looks like yet-writing a book, public speaking, sharing one-on-one, etc.- so for now I have just been more open about my experiences on my personal Facebook page instead of hiding in shame. I always pray that when a door is opened I will recognize it and not let fear silence me. ❤️

Sarah, your post caught my eye because I live in Kingston Tn. I am always encouraged when I hear God Stories, they just bless my soul. I am also a bit disappointed to hear the Lisa Allen was here and I didn’t even know it. I am living in a bit of brokeness right now but I know God is good and I know that He is still in the business of restoration. There is just something so beautiful about taking a beat down worn out battered soul and transforming it into a masterpiece! Then again that is how our God works!

Love this! I am reminded that God is my Warrior. He fights for me. – He shouts over me with Shouts of joy! Thiis Scripture is one of my favorites along with Psalm 91. They all seem to tie in together with Psalm 23.
Thank you for this reminder.

Psalm 73:26 (My Life Verse), “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

The first thing that drew me to this verse was the word portion. I was raised in chaos, often reminded I was unwanted, unlovable and a burden on my family. God being my portion meant everything to me as a new Christian late in life. It meant I not only had someone loving me and supporting me but someone I could call all my own, I finally had stability and a feeling of family.

Looking forward to reading the rest of this study! Thanks for sharing Wendy.

Oh, Melissa, this is beautiful. I too have always loved this Psalm and verse. Now when I read it, I will think of you and how God used it as manna in your wilderness time. Life verses are so precious. Thank you for sharing.

Thank you for sharing these. One I like is Lamentations 3:22 It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
I can start fresh every day.

“My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him. 6 He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God. Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. “ Psalm 62:5-8
I have come to realize that in this life God is my only soul fulfillment. He is the only One who never fails. He loves me unconditionally. I wish I could make others see the Light. The world today seeks fulfillment in anything but God. I pray for mankind to turn back to our God. Thank you for being a beacon to us Jennifer and Wendy!

Psalm 23 was the first memorization of the Bible. I learned the St James version. Love it to this day but have grown to live the meaning behind it! Love Jennifer and would so love to have a copy if her book!

Wendy, thank you for taking the time to share. It’s always so encouraging to hear from women who have been sustained by God’s Word through the darkest of times. HE IS ENOUGH!! May God continue to provide for you in the sweetest and most intimate ways as you raise your sweet children and navigate life without your husband. He will be faithful.

My old children’s Living Bible translates Ps 23:1 as “Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need.” Ps. 23 has been my favorite since I was a child partly because my children’s Living Bible also had a picture of Jesus on the cover dressed as a Shepherd holding a lamb and inside the cover, he is shown walking with children and holding a child’s hand with his right hand so such a great picture of who the Lord is. One other favorite verse pertaining to the devotion above is Isaiah 41:13, “For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you,’ Do not fear: I will help you.'”

Psalm 23 calmed me many nights when I was restless about something especially when I was young. Now, I understand it so much better that He is there, as I live alone, watching over me each nite. He restores my soul with His quiet voice even if I don’t hear it , I can feel it. And the main insight I get from this great Psalm is that I know I have a much better place to go if the shadow of death takes me. Oh what glory of seeing His face and being with him forever. Thank you for breaking these scriptures down for us even deeper.

Ann, your words are precious. The promises you shared are truths to cling to when we are alone at night, when God feels far away, when we don’t understand His ways. And then … when that day comes … when we will see Him in all His glory!! Hallelujah! Thank you for sharing today. You have blessed me.

The Lord is my Shepard. Could it be any more loving than that. So much in my world is changing. One thing I know. GOD stays the same. Finding intimacy with Him changes everything crazy into good. Growing in Him. Walking with Him and allowing myself to be carried when the world seeps in
Thank you God my Father my beautiful amazing Shepard

Wow, been through some very rough times lately and when I opened this this morning I thought – do I have time to read this today and why should I? But I forced myself to read and as I kept reading the tears started falling – wow, I needed this so much, thank you! I am printing this out and carrying with me! I would love to do your bible study! God Bless You Wendy!!!

One of my go to verses is Isaiah 41:13, “For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you.’”

Reva, your words are answered prayer. For each post, I pray for the Lord to draw the women who need to hear a word from HIM!! And you are that woman today. Praising God for His faithfulness and for the privilege of being His vessel of encouragement for you today. Thank you for taking the time to share. And, I love your verse from Isaiah. Rich promises packed in one verse.

I recently memorized Psalm 62 because over and over it reminds me He is My Rock, My Mighty Rock, My Slavation, My Fortress. my soul finds rest in HIm and I will not be shaken! With Him is unfailing love.

God led me here today. It has to be Him! The verse on my heart today has been:

“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid: for Jehovah, even Jehovah, is my strength and song; and he is become my salvation.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭12:2‬ ‭ASV‬‬

The LORD is my salvation – Jehovah. I’m still processing that as I’ve been crying out to God to save me and save our family from a few storms pounding around us. Yet, God has already saved and He is saving. It’s so complex yet so essential too.

Bethany, YES! It is Him. He led you hear as I prayed for Him to lead His sheep here who needed to hear from HIM. This brings tears to my eyes. I LOVE seeing your name here. And I pray now for you and your family. For God’s provision and protection. For His presence to be so very evident as you seek Him in the midst of the storms. He is the calm at the center. May His peace fall fresh on you and your household.

My name means “song of joy”. I love to sing about my Shephard because He is my joy, my friend, the lover of my soul..”.surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord FOREVER.” What a song!!

God is our Fortress Psalm 18 :1-3
I love you, Lord, my strength. The lord is my rock and my
fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom
I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my
salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord,
who is worthy to be praised!

God is Lord of all and we are so blessed to be
daughters of the most high! Praise God

Karen, I’m also praying for God to shine His LIGHT so intensely into your darkness that it chases it away. May His presence overwhelm you and His joy fill you even in the midst of your trial. He is faithful and a good, good Father.

After learning that I have leukemia, Gid ked me to Palms 91. My name is marked throughout that chapter. 5 years in remission I stll cling to that chapter. God became very personal to me and my faith in Him became so strong and beautiful.

Gwen, don’t you love when God gives you a life verse like that? One He walks you through and brings alive every verse. It truly is living water. Healing you physically, spiritually and emotionally. I’m praising God for His provision and His continued healing. Thank you for taking the time to share. What a blessing your story is for us today.

These qualities of God’s character in Psalm 23 became personal to me through the trials of life (death of my nephew and son’s father, my own health issues and my brother, my son getting married after having him 23 years and learning to live alone). Have gotten closer to God through many trials and have learned to depend on Him more. Here is another verse that reminds me how personal He is Isaiah 43: 1 “Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
3 For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

Suzanne, thank you for sharing your story. I know it will bring hope to many women who are walking their own hard journeys. And your verse your shared from Isaiah, it is one of my dear friend’s verses and it has come to mean so much to me as I watched God minister to her through it. His is a LIVING and ACTIVE Word. Healing and transforming as it goes out.

Heavenly Father, please be with Sharon as she heads to work each day. Shine your favor upon her as she works. Fill her with the fullness of Your spirit of wisdom and understanding to enable her to do her job with EXCELLENCE so that no man can criticize. And when and if they do, help her to only take what is valuable and helpful and let the rest fall away. If you have a new place for her to work, will you make that very clear and open doors for interviews and for a new job. Give her patience in the wait. We ask this in Jesus Name. Amen.

One of my most favorite verses is Hebrews 13″5b “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
When my husband left me I was in so much pain and hurt. I knew God would never leave me nor forsake me. I struggle with abandonment issues from childhood so this is dear to my heart KNOWING my Lord and Savior will NEVER leave me. I also keep Romans 8:28 close to my heart because I KNEW there was a purpose for having to go thru this. Romans 8:28. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” My husband and I have since reconciled and I wish I could say everything is ALL better. We love each other dearly but continue to struggle in our flesh. There are so so many scriptures that speak of Gods love for HIS children. I am thankful HE loves me unconditionally.

So many good promises and truths here, Toni. Thank, thank you for taking the time to share. It’s always a blessing to hear how God’s Word carries women through the hardest of times, especially rejection. It’s a gift to know that when we become a child of God, we will never experience rejection. He loves us unconditionally. And I have come to believe now that earthly rejection is God’s protection and redirection from the people and places He knows are not good for us.

Reading your email today was exactly what I needed. I have been fighting depression and doubting my relationship with God and just feeling so helpless and alone. Thank you for reminding me that “The Lord is mine! My Shepherd, my portion, my rock, and my strength.” This encouraged me to dig deeper and now I am also reminded in Deuteronomy 31:8 “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” We are never alone, God won’t abandon us when life becomes challenging, uncertain, or painful. And in Psalm 139:1-6 reminds me that our Heavenly Father intimately understands each of His children. It’s comforting to know that when I can’t find the words to express my thoughts and feelings, God knows every thought, emotion, intention, and desire of my heart. What a wonderful God!

Oh, Karen, thank you for sharing these precious promises and truths from our Abba Father. Praying as you meditate in His Word your depression lifts and the JOY that is already within you CONSUMES you so full there will be no room for depression and despair to return and make its home in you. And when it comes to rest upon you, the Lord will fight for you and carry you through to the other side.

Psalm 23 is one of my favorites, It was also one of my moms and was on her mass card. My brother Jerry had it on his mass card. I am writing a Christian License Plate book and I see a lot of Psalm 23 versus yesterday I saw PSLM 23 4
4. The Lord Is My Strength
The Lord is my strength and my shield;
My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped;
Therefore my heart exults,
And with my song I shall thank Him. (Psalm 28:7, NASB)

The Lord is your strength and helps you deal with the fears that rise up in you. He gives you what you need to make it through whatever the day brings.

I have taken a number of Jennifer’s Bible studies this one looks wonderful praying for Jennifer and her family and her back to studying or ministries and also praying for you Wendy and your ministry ministry.
Please pray for my health and my daughters health my family salvation, also our world salvation now and future generations. Pray also for wisdom and words for the three books that Jesus put on my heart and my brother died eight years ago. Pray for my Jesus I trust in you divine mercy ministry were a gift Jesus I trust in your bracelets to friends and strangers.

Lord They say in 2020 mental illness will be at the top disease we know that you are the great physician please heavenly father I pray that you cut the mental illness at the root burn it and throw it in the sea never to be seen or heard of again. Please help or suffering Lord in your son Jesus name amen

Psalm 23 was what I clung to as I stood on the shore of Green Lake after hearing my late husband had spots on his pancreas. I still cling to it, knowing he goes before me. I also love Joshua 1:9. I can be courageous becuase I have a Good Shepherd. Thanks

Yes and amen! With God’s Word and His Spirit in us, we can be strong and courageous! Our faith can be greater than our fear! Thank you for sharing your story. May God continue to hold you close and minister to your heart.

I’m very grateful a friend shared this with me. It has been a long and difficult journey finding my way back to God. I desire one day to be able to call Him mine and to have a personal and intimate relationship with Him.

Oh, sweet Alice, you will!!! You will. He promises that when we seek Him with all our heart, we will find Him. He loves and adores you and is calling you back. He has so much love to give you and so much wisdom to teach you. He is waiting!!

The reading for my devotional today was Hannah’s Prayer 1 Samuel 2:1-10. How awesome is our God! I just had to share it with all of you!
Hannah’s Prayer

2 Then Hannah prayed and said:

“My heart rejoices in the Lord;
in the Lord my horn[a] is lifted high.
My mouth boasts over my enemies,
for I delight in your deliverance.

2
“There is no one holy like the Lord;
there is no one besides you;
there is no Rock like our God.

3
“Do not keep talking so proudly
or let your mouth speak such arrogance,
for the Lord is a God who knows,
and by him deeds are weighed.

4
“The bows of the warriors are broken,
but those who stumbled are armed with strength.
5
Those who were full hire themselves out for food,
but those who were hungry are hungry no more.
She who was barren has borne seven children,
but she who has had many sons pines away.

6
“The Lord brings death and makes alive;
he brings down to the grave and raises up.
7
The Lord sends poverty and wealth;
he humbles and he exalts.
8
He raises the poor from the dust
and lifts the needy from the ash heap;
he seats them with princes
and has them inherit a throne of honor.

“For the foundations of the earth are the Lord’s;
on them he has set the world.
9
He will guard the feet of his faithful servants,
but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness.

“It is not by strength that one prevails;
10
those who oppose the Lord will be broken.
The Most High will thunder from heaven;
the Lord will judge the ends of the earth.

“He will give strength to his king
and exalt the horn of his anointed.”

Oh, Susan, this verse is wonderful. It reminds me of when God called Hagar’s name in the wilderness. “Fear not.” He called her by name!! She knew God knew her name. What a gift for each of us. We are His child and He knows us by name. WE ARE HIS!

Thank you for a beautiful reminder of just how personal God is to us all. I have so many but right now this one comes to mind: Psalm 34 V,18: The Lord is near the brokenhearted; He saves those crushed in spirit. (HCB)

I love this! I always thought of Psalm 23 as something in the past. Not as something living and applicable to my daily life. I loved the 4 verses, Wendy! I wrote them on index cards. Throughout many times in my life, God has been my strength and my rock! I can’t wait to do this study! He is MY shepherd!

Thank you so much for sharing! Beautiful words! God gave me Joshua 1:9 many years ago. I was going through a dark time. He has reminded me of theis scripture many times. My husband has been a cancer patient for 4 1/2 years. He has gone through many weeks and months of treatments severe pain and multiple surgeries. God has brought Joshua 1:9 to me over and over. Be strong, be courageous, He is slways with us. God is my everything. I am nothing without Him.
Joshua 1:9 NLT
This is my command–be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Love all these verses Wendy! My dad has raised sheep nearly all my life and watching him has given me a picture of the Lord as my Shepherd. So powerful.

The scripture that came to my mind is Isaiah 40:28-31 – “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

I remember you personalizing this for me 5 years ago when my grandma passed away and it’s been our theme verse for the sports camp we do in memory of my niece. A couple of years ago I studied it in depth and realized the significance of the “soar on wings like eagles”. Other birds glide and fly…they work at it, but when an eagle catches the wind it carries them. So, so thankful God does the same when I put my hope in Him.

Thankful God brought me here…on the opening night of a big, busy weekend I needed this reminder!
Blessings from the farm!

Great reminders reading through the above verses. Several of them were ones I was thinking of but couldn’t remember where they were found right off. Psalm 23 has helped me through some difficult nights. Sometimes all I can do is recite it but even that helps settle me down when the physical pain and frustrations keep me from sleeping. Other times am clear headed enough take it phrase by phrase and personalize it — ie You, Lord are my shepherd. Have learned need to watch what put into my mind. Can’t control my body (the pain, limitations, etc.) but can keep a positive attitude (most of the time) by focusing on God’s Word, etc.

Psalm 23 is one of the passages I’ve taught my kids to memorize.
In times of trouble it’s so easy to recite and yet so hard to internalize. I love the emphasis on “my”. I get to claim Him as mine. We are all His sheep but I get to call Him MY Shepherd. Today I focus on that. Jesus is MY Shepherd.

Sorry I tried to send this message to the email I could not, I took the liberty to send in comments.

Peace Wendy, I’m a follower of your blog and I love your books.
I would like to congratulate you on your blog, and your books
I did a lot of his studies online, and I enjoyed sharing with the women from the Ministry where I work here in Japan.
My name is Marina, I am Brazilian, my family and I have been living in Japan for 14 years; recently my eldest daughter got married and went to accompany her husband and are living in Germany.

God uses me to teach women in their spiritual growth, in their faith and through their books I have learned a lot.
I love to serve Jesus. I’m in love with the Word of God. I love learning, I love reading and studying the Word of God, every day I learn a little more.
I recently applied the Proverbs Study, 5 weeks, in my church to the women and they all loved it, and so did I, but it seems that there is a Complete Study of the Proverbs Book, would it be possible for me to get a copy of this book, or where I can get .?
Sorry for my English, I live a lot with people speaking Japanese, Portuguese, Italian, and Spanish, English here is not much practiced, especially in our church.
I can only buy your books through Amazon, here in Japan, which always end up being late to studies … I have already tried to buy through Proverbs 31, but I am informed that it is only delivered in the United States.

I’ll be waiting and I’ll be happy to make a comeback.
Thanks.
God bless you, strengthen you, renew you every day in your writing.

Wendy and Jennifer,
I am so grateful for the ways you soak in God’s love and let the overflow reach so many of us. I will definitely look up your book, Jennifer! It’s interesting. My Mom, who seemed to not be a believer until her final days on earth, found comfort in Psalm 23. It’s amazing how Jesus personally reached through those words to capture her heart.
I also love Zeph 3:17. “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
I try to wrap my mind around the polarities of being MY Mighty Warrior who fights to save me… and yet be so intimate as to quiet me with His love and serenade me…
Truly a gift beyond words. Just as you two girlfriends are! With all my love and gratitude for YOU… xoxo